Auctions are not only great for finding the best of the best (or alternatively some really cheap crap), but also as instructive events. Catalogs and public viewings are some of the best ways to get first hand experience with iconic design, and the mostfamous of artists. This is particularly true of modern decorative arts, which are often confined to museum storage rooms.

Phillips de Pury & Company is selling some great desks today. Included is the work of Marc Newson, Jean Pouve, Phillip Michael Wolfson and Gio Ponti. While it might be a touch late to jet to NY for the sale, the catalog is up on the website and totally worth anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours of your time.